The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Major Frank Lewis Brewer, United States Marine Corps, for heroism while participating in aerial flight on 26 October 1983 as Helicopter Aircraft Commander of a CH-46E in Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron TWO HUNDRED SIXTY-ONE (HMM-261), 22d Marine Amphibious Unit, during combat operations against opposing forces on the Island of Grenada. During the afternoon hours, Major Brewer and his crew launched as helicopter transport commander and flight lead in a 16-plane flight on a mandatory mission to rescue 231 American medical students and members of their families barricaded in a campus dormitory on Grand Anse Beach. Flying his aircraft to a limited number of landing sites on precariously narrow beach and facing intense enemy small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire on each approach to insert security forced, evacuate noncombatants and extract the Ranger covering element, Major Brewer demonstrated uncommon singleness of purpose in this humanitarian effort accomplished under fire. His superb aeronautical ability, unfaltering courage and devotion to duty in combat were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Major Brewer is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
MajorBatallion:
Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261)Action Date:
October 26, 1983
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelAction Date:
May 1992 – July 1994
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Frank Lewis Brewer, United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving consecutively as Commanding Officer, Marine Aircraft Group Twenty-Nine, SECOND Marine Aircraft Wing; and Future Operations Officer, G-3, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Forces Atlantic, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from May 1992 through July 1994. As Commanding Officer, Colonel Brewer’s inspirational leadership and untiring devotion to duty molded the group into an effective fighting force. His uncompromising emphasis on quality improvements in daily tasks and commitment to the families of command personnel resulted in a significant increase in combat readiness. Colonel Brewer tirelessly prepared the commanders and staff for long-range planning and various deployments. His introduction of total quality leadership techniques set a precedent for fleet units with the team concept of duty, ensuring that the right Marine was placed in each job and the Marine Corps was improved by each decision. Throughout his tour, Colonel Brewer consistently exercised a remarkable understanding of people, accurately assessing their strengths and weaknesses and obtaining optimum performance from all subordinates. He empowered key people with the ability to affect the system and build continuity of leadership and management for the group. Superior performance of duties as typified above highlighted the culmination of more than 24 years of honorable and dedicated Marine Corps service. By his exemplary professional competence, sound judgment, and total devotion to duty, Colonel Brewer reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.